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Benjamin Turtle CAL Part 3

TGIF! I hope everyone is enjoying the Benjamin Turtle pattern. Today’s post is the final one for this crochet-along. You will be making the bottom flap and assembling the nap buddy.

Directions:

Bottom:

Row 1: With Dark Olive yarn, ch 30, hdc in 2nd ch and in each ch across (29 hdc).

Rows 2-4: Ch 1, turn, 2 hdc in first st, hdc across (32 hdc at end of Row 4).

Row 5: Ch 1, turn, 1 hdc, ch 1, sk next st, 30 hdc.

Row 6: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each hdc and ch-1 sp.

Rows 7-14: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st.

Rows 15-24: Repeat Rows 5-14.

Rows 25-26: Repeat Rows 5-6.

Rows 27-29: Ch 1, turn, dec over first 2 sts, hdc across (29 hdc at end of Row 29). Do not fasten off.

Edging:

Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st across top, down side, across unused loops on bottom, and up the other side with 2 hdc in each corner. Join with sl st. Fasten off leaving 12” length for sewing.

Finished flap measures approximately 10” x 11”.

Assembly:

turtle blanket centers

Mark centers of blanket and turtle. Measure from center, 5” to left and 5” to right and pin blanket to turtle at these spots. Sew center 10” of blanket to turtle using Dark Olive yarn and back stitch. For extra security, sew edges of blanket to turtle with whip st.

Fold blanket into thirds and roll it, then fit it inside the turtle. Pin bottom flap centered over the blanket/turtle seam and sew in place.

turtle bottom flap

Sew buttons to bottom of shell corresponding to buttonholes in bottom flap.

turtle buddy bottom 

Head:

Rnd 1: Ch 2 (or magic circle), 6 sc in 2nd ch. Do not join. Work in continuous rnds throughout head.

Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st (12 sc).

Rnd 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (18 sc).

Rnd 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (24 sc).

Rnd 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (30 sc).

Rnds 6-9: Sc in each st.

Rnd 10: *Dec, sc in next 3 sts,* repeat around (24 sc).

Rnd 11: Sc in each st.

Insert eyes at Rnd 4, approximately 1” apart.

Rnd 12: *Dec, sc in next 2 sts,* repeat around (18 sc).

Rnds 13-16: Sc in each st. Join with sl st. Fasten off leaving 12” length.

Stuff head and sew to front of turtle at the top edge of the center hexagon. Weave in all ends.

turtle buddy both small

Part 1 of the CAL can be found at Benjamin Turtle Nap Buddy CAL.

Part 2 of the CAL can be found at Benjamin Turtle Nap Buddy CAL Part 2.

Free Turtle Jewelry Pattern

Four Free Turtle Patterns

Please post your turtle photos to Facebook or Instagram.

Rainbow Nap Buddy

Bunny Nap Buddy Crochet Pattern

Summer Solstice Giveaway

I am thrilled to be a part of this amazing crochet pattern giveaway! There are 25 designers, each offering a different summer pattern. Use coupon code SUMMER2020 on Ravelry through 6/24/2020. These amazing patterns should keep you busy for quite a while this summer!

Summer Solstice Giveaway

My contribution to the roundup is also available at First Day of Summer – easy butterfly flip flop pattern. If you prefer video tutorials, please see YouTube.

National Zoo & Aquarium Month

June 50% off patterns continue with today’s animal being the Polar Bear. We still have over a week to go in June with lots more half price patterns. Thursday’s sale is also still available – Fish Dish Towel. Makes a great Father’s Day gift!

June2020calendar

National Zoo & Aquarium Month 2021 Blog Hop

Turtle Christmas Ornament

For the bargain shoppers among you, this week’s Etsy specials are 20% off yarn and 30% off select finished products.

King Snake crocheted in Bernat blanket yarn

king snake coiled

I spent this week working on a giant snake plushie. Bernat blanket yarn is so soft and squishy, I just love using it to make stuffed animals! The pattern is complete, but I need a couple of people to test it. If you would like to test, please join my Facebook group for the King snake and other testing opportunities. The snake in the photo measures 100″ long, and instructions are also given for a 66″ snake.

Panda Bear Eyeglass Holder

panda

For the Addi knitter, this cute panda pattern is quick and easy.

Panda Eyeglass Holder Addi Pattern

Have a safe and happy summer. Happy crocheting!

 

 

 

 

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London – Phone Booth Scarf Pattern

London the second time around was so much better. Last August, we winged it. This year we went on as a group for the Houston Texans game and signed up for all the tours available. NFL On Location handled everything, and we got to see so much more of the city than we did last year. After arriving in London and checking in at the Hilton Park Lane hotel, we were treated to brunch by the Hard Rock Café just around the corner.

20191031_134451.jpg

That afternoon was a tour of the city on a double-decker bus, culminating in a ride on the London Eye. It’s a 30-minute ride during which you can see all of London. Our tour included a champagne toast with our group.

https://youtu.be/dLNv1f3Kd4U

Since my first visit to London last year, I have been toying with the idea of a scarf made to look like the phone bbooths scattered around London. For this trip, I just had to make one and get a photo.

London Phone Booth Scarf

Materials:

Worsted weight yarn –

4 oz. red

2.5 oz. white

Few yards yellow

Crochet hook size H (5.00 mm)

Yarn needle

Gauge:

7 dc + 2”; 4 rows = 2”

Women’s scarf measures approximately 7.5” wide by 52” long (instructions are given to lengthen scarf if desired).

Directions:

Row 1: With red yarn, ch 25, sc in 2nd ch from hook, ch 2 (sc, ch-2 counts as first dc), dc in each ch across (24 dc).

Row 2: Turn, sc in first st, ch 2, dc in st across.

Rows 3-94: Repeat sts of Row 2, alternating colors as per chart.

Rows 95-97: Turn, sc in 1st st, ch 2, dc next 2 sts tog, sc across to last 2 sts, dc next 2 sts tog. (18 dc at end of Row 97). Do not fasten off. If a longer scarf is desired, repeat Rows 7-14 until desired length.

Edging:

At end of Row 97, ch 1, turn, sc in each st across top, sc down the side with 2 sc in the side of each dc. Work 3 sc in each corner, sc across bottom, 3 sc in corner, sc up other side with 2 sc in the side of each dc. Join with sl st in first sc. Fasten off. Weave in all ends.

Crown:

Rnd 1: With yellow (or gold) yarn, ch 10, sc in 2nd ch and next 7 ch, 3 sc in last ch. Working on opposite side of starting ch, sc in next 7 ch, 2 sc in last ch (20 sc). Join with sl st.

Rnd 2: Ch 10, sk 3 sts, sc in 4th st, ch 10, sk 3 sts, sl st in next st.

Rnd 3: Ch 1, turn, 12 sc around 1st ch-10. Sl st in sc, ch 7, sl st in 3rd ch from hook (picot), *ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch,* repeat once, sl st in remaining 3 ch, sl st in sc between 2 ch-10s, ch 1, work 12 sc around ch-10 loop, sl st in Rnd 1. Fasten off leaving length for sewing. Center crown at top of scarf and sew in place. Weave in ends.

crown applique

YouTube video for crown

Pattern Testers Wanted

unicorn outside.jpg

Looking for unique patterns for Christmas gift this year? Join my Facebook testers group and check out the patterns available for testing. All you need is a basic knowledge of crochet and the desire to give feedback on the patterns. Most of my designs are easy to Intermediate.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/875538646117910/

United States Marine Corps Birthday

Marine Baby Sweater

Veterans Day, November 11

eagle-potholder

Bald Eagle Potholder

https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/bald-eagle-crochet-pattern

2020 Crochet Calendar

Update your kitchen with a new crochet pattern each month. Twelve patterns on a hanging wall calendar – a great value at only $14.99 each. Makes a great Christmas gift for the crafters on your list.

https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/2020-crochet-calendar-12-kitchen-crochet-patterns

Calendars printed by Printing Center USA.

Next Week:

Etsy Sale

Help me get to 1400 sales in my Etsy shop this week. Use code 1400SALES to get 14% off any item through 11/10/19. Also, the person who purchases the 1400th item gets a free gift with their order.

My Fingers Fly on Etsy

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Queen with Adam Lambert – Christmas in July

The soundtrack of my teen years consisted of some of the greatest rock bands of all time. During my high school years, Queen quickly became one of the top bands to fuel our teenage obsession with music. Although I have always wanted to see them in concert, Freddy Mercury’s untimely death put an end to that dream for Queen fans.Fast forward a few decades, and American Idol was the TV show for me. I fell in love with Adam Lambert, a baby-faced singer with an amazing stage presence. Being the mother of four Italian children, I wanted to take him home and cook him a lasagna. With his dark hair and blue eyes, he looked like the boy next door but with an extra serving of charisma.Then last year came the movie, Bohemian Rhapsody. It’s a must see for Queen fans, and it refueled my love of their music. Rami Malek brought Freddy back to life. That evening on the way home, I started searching the internet for anything related to Queen. Much to my delight, they were on tour with Adam Lambert joining them as the lead singer. I bought tickets immediately for the Houston show, and we were privileged to see these true rock icons in concert this week. Sitting in the Toyota Center listening to their music, I was 16 again. Brian May and Roger Taylor have aged (as have we all), but they were the same amazing musicians that they were 40 years ago. Adam Lambert paid homage to Freddy in words and in his performance. It was truly a magical night.

Of course, I had to crochet some dolls to commemorate the evening using a pattern from Crazy Craftiness.http://crazycraftiness.blogspot.com/2011/06/basic-amigurumi-body-june-pattern-part.html?m=1

We’re headed back to Houston today for another legendary band, the Rolling Stones. What an awesome way to spend my birthday weekend! I’ll share the details next week.Since it’s the last week of July, I have the final Christmas in July free pattern, a Santa Claus gift basket made on the Addi king knitting machine. They’re easy to work up. Then fill them with your favorite holiday treats and pass them out to neighbors and coworkers. Make a few extra to have on hand as hostess gifts for those last-minute party invites.

https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/santa-claus-gift-basket-addi-king-pattern-free-pattern

More Christmas Ideas

Melted Snowman Ornament

Christmas in July Blog Hop

Texas Flag Christmas Tree Ornament

Moose Ornament

Crown Ornament

Happy crocheting!

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Summer Fun – Camera Day – Paul Bunyan Day

My summer has started off great. Last weekend was a trip to Houston to Daughter #2’s house for my grandson’s birthday. Daughter-in-law and granddaughter accompanied me on the drive from San Antonio. We got stuck in Houston traffic and arrived at the party late, but we still had a great time. More importantly, the birthday boy had a wonderful day! The return trip included a detour to Austin to give Daughter #4 a ride home.

Wednesday night was a sleepover at my house for my grandaughter, 3 nieces, and a nephew. We live far enough out of the city to enjoy a little bit of wildlife in the evenings, and the kids had a great time catching frogs, naming them, and then releasing them.

As far as crochet is concerned, the big question is what to crochet in the summertime. Many people believe it’s only a hobby that can be done in cooler months, but that is far from the truth. Blankets are great for winter crochet, especially once they get big enough so you can cover yourself while you work. However, there are lots of great options for crocheting in the warmer weather. Small projects such as amigurumi won’t smother you while you work on them. Potholders and scrubbies made of cotton are also great ideas. For many years, I have made a Christmas list at the beginning of January and spent the year filling in the slots with completed crocheted gifts. Summer is a great time to complete holiday gifts, prepare for winter craft shows, or make hats and scarves for your favorite charity. Of course, baby items are always such fun to make, and there always seems to be a new baby in the family or in the neighborhood. One of my most requested baby patterns is a Lumberjack Axe Rattle, perfect for Paul Bunyan Day today. The rattle requires just a few ounces of yarn (my favorite for this project is I Love This Cotton).

https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/baby-lumberjack-axe-rattle-crochet-pattern

For this week’s Friday Freebie, in honor of Camera Day on June 29, I have chosen a pattern on the Addi Express knitting machine for a Camera Lens Buddy. These were designed for a photographer I worked with last year, because she wanted something to make children smile at her camera. It’s a fun pattern that works up quickly and easily with yarn from your stash. I would love to see photos of your lens buddies at http://instagram.com/myfingersfly

https://www.etsy.com/MyFingersFly/listing/664266704/lens-buddy-addi-express-pattern-owl-lion?utm_source=Copy&utm_medium=ListingManager&utm_campaign=Share&utm_term=so.lmsm&share_time=1561740868771

Materials:

½ oz. worsted yarn

Size G crochet hook

Yarn needle

2 googly eyes

Picot st: ch 3, sl st in 1st ch.

Directions:

Cast on with waste yarn and work 4-5 rnds. Switch to MC yarn and work 12 rnds.  Switch to waste yarn and work another 4-5 rows. Cast off.

Holding both sides together, with G hook and MC yarn, work *sc, ch 1* through both sides. Do not fasten off.

OWL:

Ears:

Row 1: In back loop only, sc across 13 sts.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st.

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, hdc in next st, picot in next st, hdc in each of the next 5 sts, sl st in Row 2, hdc in each of the next 6 sts, picot in next st, sl st in same st as last hdc. Fasten off.

Wings: (Make 2)

Row 1: Leaving 6” length with CC yarn, ch 2, work 4 hdc in 2nd ch.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st.

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, dec twice.

Row 4: Ch 1, turn, dec. Fasten off. Sew wings on sides of lens buddy.

Glue on googly eyes.

Owl

LION:

Rnd 1: With MC yarn working in back loops only, hdc in each st. Do not fasten off.

Ears:

Row 1: Hdc in each of next 3 sts.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, hdc 3 sts tog.

Skip 8 sts on lens buddy and repeat Rows 1-2 for other ear.

Cut 4” pieces of CC yarn for mane. Pull through loops at back with 1 piece in each st.

Glue on googly eyes.

Lion

UNICORN:

Rnd 1: With MC yarn working in back loops only, hdc in each st. Do not fasten off.

Ears:

Row 1: Hdc in each of next 3 sts.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, hdc 3 sts tog.

Skip 8 sts on lens buddy and repeat Rows 1-2 for other ear.

Horn:

Rnd 1: Attach yellow or gold yarn in center top of head. 2 hdc in this st and 2 hdc in next st.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, hdc, dec, hdc.

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, dec, hdc.

Row 4: Ch 1, turn, dec. Fasten off.

Cut 4” pieces of yarn in rainbow colors for mane. Pull through loops on either side of horn with 1 piece in each st.

Glue on googly eyes.

Unicorn

There’s still time to take advantage of half off patterns in my Ravelry store. Use code HALFOFF and get 50% off any $5.00 purchase through 6/30/2019. Get a head start on your Christmas gift list or back-to-school clothing.

https://www.ravelry.com/designers/lisa-ferrel

Stay tuned next month for some fun patterns for National Ice Cream Month. I will also be attending the CGOA Chain Link Conference in Manchester, New Hampshire next month and will be sharing about that trip.

Please join my Facebook group if you would like to be a pattern tester. https://www.facebook.com/groups/875538646117910/?source_id=106106443174

Happy summer and happy crocheting!

Fun Summer Patterns

Granny Triangle Bandana

Free Turtle Pattern

Butterfly Flip-flops

Lion Amigurumi

Unicorn Fanny Pack

Owl Crochet Patterns